"CHENEY, WA — Investigators in Cheney made a chilling discovery Saturday afternoon. They found the bodies of a man and a woman, both possibly trans-gender, in an apartment building.

"Investigators said it is an apparent murder/suicide. They also found a pistol and two shell casings near the bodies. It happened at the Rosebrook Inn apartments on 304 West 1st Street.

"Investigators interviewed several neighbors. Some were in tears as they tried to piece together what happened. Gayle King lives next door to the crime scene. He said nothing like this has happened before in this complex.

"`It's a little weird, a little freaky,` said King. `You never think about it. It’s like the land slide in Woody Island you hear about it but don't think its going to happen to you.`

"The Spokane County Sheriff's Office said the investigation was put on hold for most of the afternoon until police could get a warrant to enter inside the room. Just before 5pm, forensics teams and detectives arrived with the search warrant. Investigators are working to piece together is the time-line and how long the two victims were inside. Investigators said the woman victim lived in room five. The man lived in room seven. Officials said that somebody reported that man missing on Friday.

"At this point, one official said they are not looking for any suspects at this time. But they are leaning towards calling the scene a murder-suicide."

"HARRISBURG, NC — A six-hour SWAT team standoff ended late Friday with a suspected shooter and two of his neighbors dead, police say.

"A Cabarrus County sheriff’s official said the suspect apparently shot himself as deputies and SWAT team members surrounded the house where he was hiding. Earlier Friday, the suspect shot and killed two others, police say, in what they described as a neighborhood dispute.

"Hardy later killed himself after seeking refuge from police in his own home at 7795 Coachman Court, located between the houses of Kirchner and Stocks. The three brick homes are situated at the end of a cul-de-sac in the Windsor Forest neighborhood that backs up to Tom Query Road in Harrisburg.

"Police negotiated with Hardy for several hours, during which time he fired at least twice inside his home, sheriff Brad Riley said in a news release.

"Neighbors said Hardy was angry about pine trees that were cut down behind his house and that the victims were on the homeowners association board that approved the removal of the trees."

Friday, March 29, 2013

"GARNER, NC — A man and woman died Friday morning in what Wake County sheriff’s deputies said appeared to be a murder/suicide on a gravel road with only two homes, south of Garner.

"Capt. Jimmy Stevens, a spokesman for the sheriff’s office, said the incident appeared to have begun at one house, 1309 Fieldstream Farm Road, and moved to the house next door at 1308.

"A man’s body was found outside 1308, Stevens said.

"Deputies who rushed to the scene along with EMS crews found a woman’s body inside, he said.

"Deputies’ preliminary conclusion was that what had been reported as gunshots heard at a house was a murder-suicide, but CCBI investigators were en route to the scene to help deputies determine for sure what happened, Stevens said."

"TALLAHASSEE, FL — Police say the bodies of a woman and her young daughter were found near a Tallahassee golf course after an apparent murder-suicide.

"The Leon County Sheriff's Office on Wednesday identified them as 22-year-old Jenna Porter and 3-year-old Scarlett Porter.

"Golfers found their bodies early Tuesday evening at Hilaman Golf Course. The golfers called 911 and stayed on the scene until deputies arrived.

"The sheriff's office says the mother and daughter lived in an apartment complex close to where they were found. Investigators determined that Jenna Porter fired the shots based on evidence and witness statements.

"They say the handgun used was found at the scene.

"Preliminary autopsy results indicate both died from a single gunshot wound to the head."

"PHILIPSBURG, PA — A former state trooper killed his estranged wife with a shotgun inside a central Pennsylvania supermarket Thursday and then killed himself, days after she filed for divorce and two months after he was accused of beating her, police said.

"State police investigators said that he began searching the store for her after arriving there around 10 a.m. He found her in an upstairs office and soon shot her and killed himself, authorities said.

"Investigators recovered the weapon but declined to say how many times it was fired."

"Green said the autopsy showed Young died from a gunshot wound to his mouth. Both McCords had fatal gunshot wounds to the head.

"Sheriff Jim Johnson said he was not prepared to officially declare the deaths a murder/suicide until he sees the autopsy report, which had not yet been delivered to his office Wednesday. On Tuesday, the sheriff had said there was no search under way for any suspects and no cause for public alarm.

"`Once we see the official documentation we will review it and compare it to the crime scene evidence before making a decision,` Johnson said Wednesday. `If the autopsy result confirms what we found at the crime scene, we will close it.` Until then, the investigation will remain open.

"Johnson said he retrieved cellphones and computers as evidence Wednesday morning. A .45-caliber handgun found near the bodies was taken from the home Tuesday.

"The bodies were found in their County Road 49 home Tuesday around 8:30 a.m. by Young’s son, Jason Young, a game warden for the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. "

"Police say her former boyfriend, 29-year-old Jashua Perz, chased her in a car and fired shots at her. She crashed her car in a parking lot, possibly after being struck by a bullet.

"Police said Perz then barricaded himself in his home, with crisis negotiators speaking with him by phone for several hours. Officers who forced their way into the home at about 5 p.m. Sunday found him dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

"Gerber's family members say the shooting was the culmination months of stalking, threats, and harassment by Perz."

"DERUYTER, NY — State Police in Morrisville were called Sunday, March 24, at approximately 10:30 pm, to check on the welfare of a woman at a residence on Seminary Street in the Village of DeRuyter, Madison County.

"When troopers arrived at 1599 Seminary Street, they met with a family member who advised them that Michele Green, 48, didn't show up at work Sunday morning and wasn't able to contact her via phone. Family members requested that the Troopers make a forced entry.

"Troopers pried open a rear door at the residence and observed a white male, Edward Green, 48, with a shotgun in his hand standing in the kitchen. Troopers immediately exited the house and cleared family and friends from the area and set up a perimeter.

"Shortly after that, they heard a gunshot.

"At 4:30am, the New York State Police Special Operations Response Team (SORT) gained entry into the residence and discovered the bodies of Michelle and Edward Green deceased from a apparent gunshot wounds.

Monday, March 25, 2013

"PETERSBURG, PA — A central Pennsylvania father shot and killed his 2-year-old son and wounded his estranged wife during a custody exchange before killing himself, authorities said.

"Police said Kenneth Ayers also shot at his mother during the altercation Saturday morning at her home in a rural area about 20 miles southwest of State College.

"Huntingdon County District Attorney George Zanic said Ayers, 52, was subject to a protection from abuse order filed by his wife but was permitted visits with his son, Michael.

"Saturday's visit was to happen at his mother's home in Barree Township. But once at the home, Ayers got into an altercation with his estranged wife, Hollie Jo, and shot her in the legs and arm with a .40 caliber handgun before intentionally shooting his son, police said.

"Kenneth Ayers placed the child's body in the back of his vehicle but the wounded woman retrieved the body before Ayers shot her again in the face, police said. He also fired at his mother but missed.

Sunday, March 24, 2013

"Officers responded to a shots-fired call on Coralbean Way about 9 a.m., Richland County Sheriff’s Department spokesman Curtis Wilson said. When they arrived, they found the bodies of a married couple outside a home on the street, each with gunshot wounds.

"The names of the victims have not been released. The man was 50 years old and the woman was 44.

"The couple recently had separated, Wilson said, and the woman had moved into the Coralbean Way home from another house they shared just two weeks ago.

"Investigators believe the man came to the home Friday morning just after the woman returned from dropping their two teenage children off at school and shot her in the upper body multiple times. Then, Wilson said, the man turned the gun on himself. Both were dead when officers arrived.

"There had been prior incidents between the man and woman before Friday’s shooting, Wilson said, but police hadn’t been called to either of their homes recently."

"BURIEN, WA — Deputies said a shooting this week in the Boulevard Park area that left two men dead was a murder/suicide and not a running gun battle, as they initially reported.

"`On Wednesday deputies responded to a house in the 1000 block of South 102nd Street to a report of gunshots that struck a house,` King County Sheriff’s Sgt. Cindi West said in a statement. `When deputies arrived they found a car running in the front yard with a driver and passenger inside, both shot in the head. The driver still had a gun in his hand.`

"`Deputies discovered that two other houses nearby had also been struck by gunfire during the same time period: houses and vehicles in the 10200 block of 1st Avenue South and a house in the 10200 block of 10th Avenue South,` West said. `Witnesses initially reported they thought they heard two vehicles in the area but police believe the other houses and vehicles were shot at by the occupants of the vehicle found at the scene.`

"The driver was upset over a recent break-up with his girlfriend and the ex-girlfriend was in the house on 102nd at the time of the shooting, deputies said.

"`Evidence at the scene indicates the passenger died of a gunshot wound to the head fired at close range,` West said. `Detectives believe the driver shot the passenger and then turned the gun on himself.`"

"NORTH BELLMORE, NY — A man and a woman, both in their 60s, were found dead at a North Bellmore home on Thursday afternoon in an apparent murder/suicide, according to Nassau County Police.

"Authorities received a call at 12:43 p.m. on March 21 from a 32-year-old man who reported that he had discovered the bodies of his mother, 61, and father, 60, at 202 Leonard St., each with at least one gunshot wound. At press time on Thursday afternoon, police had not released the identities of the deceased.

"Police say they believe the husband may have shot his wife with a rifle before taking his own life. The motive was unclear.

"Officials said that the son went to the North Bellmore home Thursday morning to check on his father, who reportedly had not gone into work for several days."

"SAN ANTONIO, TX — Three bodies were found inside a west-side home on Thursday morning in what police believe to be a double murder-suicide.

"Investigators were called to a home in the 9600 block of Vale Drive around 8:26 a.m. They were sent there for a welfare check after staff at the J&R Trucking Company out of Minnesota reported they hadn't heard from two of their coworkers in over a week.

"When they broke down the front door of the residence, they discovered the bodies of an elderly woman, her boyfriend and her son. Local authorities then spent the morning sorting through the crime scene, wearing gas masks as they entered the home.

"San Antonio police Chief William McManus said the three had not been heard from since March 9.

"Police said they believe the older man entered the home and shot the other two in the "upper extremities" with .22 caliber handgun before taking his own life.

"The elderly man was found dead in living room, the other man was found dead in bedroom, and the elderly woman was found dead in other bedroom, police said.

Thursday, March 21, 2013

"ASBURY, MO — A couple whose bodies were discovered Tuesday morning inside their home north of Asbury died in an apparent murder-suicide, according to the Jasper County Sheriff’s Department.

"The bodies of Richard Hughes, 58, and his wife, Janet Hughes, 53, were found in their home at 18022 County Road 290 after a family member flagged down a deputy in Asbury and expressed concern about not having seen them for some time.

"The sheriff’s office said in a news release Wednesday that the Hugheses died of single gunshot wounds to their heads, and that investigators have determined that Richard Hughes shot his wife before shooting himself.

"He said no note was left at the scene explaining what happened. The sheriff said family members have not indicated that there were any health issues that may have played a role in the matter.

"Kaiser declined to discuss the type of gun that was used. He also declined to provide a time frame for the shootings, pending the results of autopsies scheduled to be performed today in Columbia as part of the probe of the couple’s deaths."

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

"HOOVER, AL — Hoover Police are investigating what appears to be a murder/suicide.

"Crews were called to 2305 Queensview Road just before 9:30 p.m. Tuesday. Upon arriving, they found Kimberly Jamison Osburn, 39, and Jimmy Lee Frizzell, 55, dead.

"Police received at least two calls about an argument inside the home.

"Police say Osburn had been stabbed, and it appeared that Frizzell fatally shot himself. Osburn's mother had been inside the home when the argument started, but she was able to escape safely.

"Police say Osburn and Frizzell had dated in the past, but they aren't sure what their current relationship was. They did say they had been called to the same home before on a domestic argument call in February, but no one had been injured."

"DESOTO, TX — A man and a woman were found dead in an apparent murder-suicide in DeSoto, police said.

"Police received a call reporting that someone was trying to break in the front door at 705 Timber Trail around 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Capt. Ron Smith said. Smith said police arrived within five minutes, but, by then, `it was a done deal,` and police discovered the bodies with gunshot wounds.

"Smith said police believe the house belongs to the woman’s mother.

"Smith said it looks like a “family violence situation gone bad. Horribly bad.” Family members told police that the man and the woman had finalized their divorced today, and had a young child who was not present in the house.

"PRINCE FREDERICK, MD — On March 19, 2013 at 1:27 pm, the Calvert County 911 Center dispatched a call for a shooting at 4500 Hallowing Point Road, Prince Frederick.

"Officers from the Calvert Investigative Team were in the area on an unrelated matter and heard the shots. Those officers immediately responded to the shooting call. The Calvert Investigative Team is comprised of officers from the Maryland State Police and the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office.

"Upon arrival, officers discovered Raymond William Willard, age 45 and Carl Ray Nerem Sr., age 42 deceased as a result of apparent gunshot wounds. Willard and Nerem are brother-in-laws and reside at the 4500 Hallowing Point Road address. It is believed that a verbal dispute led to Mr. Willard retrieving a handgun and fatally shooting Mr. Nerem. Mr. Willard then turned the gun on himself and committed suicide.

"Sheriff’s Deputies had been to this residence only two days ago for an altercation between these same two men, however there was no sign of injury and neither Neman nor Willard wanted to peruse the matter. This is a sad day for both the Willard and Nerem family, as well as our community. Our thoughts and prayers go out to these families."

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

"ALLENTOWN, PA — Lehigh County District Attorney Jim Martin said an 86-year-old man shot and killed his wife then turned the gun on himself Tuesday afternoon in the hospice ward of Lehigh Valley Hospital at 17th and Chew streets.

"Mildred Osman, 83, was found dead in her bed, Martin said. Elwood Osman was also found dead in the room. Mildred Osman was in hospice care. No one else was in the room, according to Martin.

"Elwood Osman was distraught, according to his son, Thomas Osman, and wanted to end his wife's suffering. Thomas said mother suffered from spinal stenosis, macular degeneration, and recently had a stroke.

"`He unfortunately only saw one solution left anymore,` Thomas said. `And we believe he got a handgun and did what he did.`

"Thomas Osman said his father killed his mother and himself as an act of mercy.

"`This was a loving couple,` he said. `I am upset, of course, but all I have is love and respect for my father and my mother.`

"Martin said at 1:03 p.m. three hospital staff on the fourth floor heard a gunshot coming from one of the hospice rooms. He said the incident was contained to the one patient room.

"`I don't have any more detail I am prepared to release,` Martin said about 2 p.m. at the hospital complex. `There were no eyewitnesses to this event.`"

Monday, March 18, 2013

"KATY, TX — A man killed his wife, then himself, at a home in Fort Bend County, authorities said Monday.

"Two young children who were in the Katy area home were not injured.

"Authorities went to the home in the 4500 block of Ferndale Meadows about 7:50 a.m. Monday after a Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office dispatcher received a call from a man who said he had killed his wife, officials said.

"Deputies discovered the man and woman both dead in the home in the Woodlake Estates area of Cinco Ranch.

"Two children, 1 and 4, were found in the home unharmed.

"Fort Bend County sheriff's spokesman Bob Haenel [said] the woman was stabbed with a knife and her husband then hung himself. The identity of the couple was not released.

"MENIFEE, CA — A day after a Menifee couple was found dead in an apparent murder-suicide, neighbors said the two were friendly, though there were hints they had relationship problems.

"The two were discovered by Riverside County Sheriff’s deputies Sunday, March 17, in the front yard of a home in the 33000 block of Merritt Road.

"The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department received a call reporting a `domestic disturbance` at 10:07 p.m., wrote Sgt. Jeff Buompensiero in a release.

"As deputies were en route to the house, they received reports that shots had been fired. When they arrived, they found the bodies, the release said.

"Coroner’s officials have identified the woman as Debra Vandyke, 49, of Menifee. The name of the 68-year-old Menifee man has not been released. An investigation revealed the man had shot the woman and then turned the gun on himself, the sergeant wrote.

"The two were married, according to neighbors, and they moved into the single-story house on a dirt road about two months ago. Vandyke and her husband were often seen smiling and waving to neighbors as they drove by."

Sunday, March 17, 2013

"GRAVEL SWITCH, KY — The Kentucky State Police is investigating the deaths of 52-year-old Judith Duncil and 61-year-old George Merrick, both of Gravel Switch, KY.

"Post 15 received a call from Casey County dispatch at 11:46 PM on Friday night, March 15th, reporting that they had received a call of shots fired at a residence on Little South Road in Gravel Switch. Upon arrival, investigators discovered the bodies of the deceased lying on the porch of the residence.

"Duncil and Merrick were dating and Duncil was living at the residence when Merrick arrived looking for her. A verbal argument ensued which led to Merrick retrieving a rifle from his truck. Merrick allegedly shot Duncil before turning the weapon on himself. Detectives continue to investigate."

"WARWICK, RI — Police say they responded to 75 Kenway Avenue around 5 a.m. Saturday morning after a 12 year-old called police and told them that he and his brother woke up after hearing loud noises and commotion downstairs.

"The two escaped the home by climbing through a window and one brother ran next door to tell the neighbors what happened. The other boy stayed on the roof until he was found by police.

"According to police, a preliminary investigation revealed that John Oliveira, 45, of West Warwick, came to the home around 5 a.m. and shot the boys' mother, Carla Bowen, 47, of Warwick, multiple times. Bowen died in her home.

"Oliveira was Bowen's ex boyfriend.

"Police say after shooting his ex-girlfriend, Oliveira then shot Christopher Butler, 52, of Warwick multiple times. Butler also died at the scene. It is not yet clear what Butler's relation to the shooter was.

"After shooting his ex-girlfriend and Christopher Butler, Oliveira then turned the gun on himself and committed suicide.

"CHESTERFIELD, VA — A Chesterfield community wants to know what prompted a man to shoot his wife and then set their home on fire, before turning the gun on himself. The deadly discovery was made when fire crews were called to the home on 2012 Castle Glen Ct. about 11:30 Thursday night.

"What would cause someone to do this? That's the question on everyone's mind in this neighborhood. People described Walter Hester as a kind man who cared about youth and even had a teenager of his own.

"`Just kind of shocked. I would've never expected it,` said Hunter Bogert.

He came to see the crime scene for himself.

"`He was always so happy. Such a nice guy,` Bogert said.

Something went terribly wrong Thursday night. Chesterfield Police say Hester shot his wife 46-year-old Clara Morgan-Hester, then set their home on fire before turning the gun on himself.

"`Suddenly I look out the front window and there's a bazillion lights out front,` said neighbor Mitch Wyss.

"Neighbors noticed the frenzy but had no clue it was the result of suspected murder suicide.

"`Not at all. They seemed like good neighbors,` Wyss added.

"`Everybody's kind to each other. There's never hardly ever any problems around here,` said neighbor Laura Leyendecker.

"Neighbors say the couple's teenage son is in the care of family tonight. Police say they have no record of domestic violence between the couple."

"ANTIOCH TWP, IL — A woman stabbed to death early Friday had court-ordered protection from the ex-boyfriend who killed her and then took his own life.

"The victim, Diane Kephart, 61, of Vernon Hills, died in the driveway of her parents’ home in unincorporated Antioch, where she had been residing, according to Lake County Sheriff’s Department Sgt. Sara Balmes, who said deputies were called to the scene at 7:38 a.m.

"Balmes said deputies aided by a canine unit tracked the killer, Paul Neff, 57, of Mundelein, Ill., to a camper or mobile-home type trailer outside a bar just south of the father’s home on North Westlake Avenue. Members of the sheriff’s department special tactical response team found Neff dead inside the trailer shortly after 11 a.m., according to Balmes, who said Neff apparently stabbed himself to death.

"Kephart had been living in her parents’ home. Her father saw her lying in the driveway but did not see what happened, Balmes said, adding that the father and a neighbor called 911.

"Balmes said the victim had sought the order of protection, which is a type of restraining order, against Neff in February, and the order was extended this month. Balmes was not certain about details underlying the protection order filed with the court.

"According to [news reports], Kephart was trying to avoid Neff, who assaulted her last month before stalking and killing her Friday.

"Kephart was on her way to work at the Uline shipping company in Waukegan when she exited her parents’ home in the 41000 block of North Westlake Avenue in Antioch Township when she was attacked by Neff."

"MESQUITE, TX — A woman shot and killed her husband and two young adult children before killing herself in their suburban Dallas home, investigators said Thursday.

"The bodies of Angelica Vazquez, 43, her husband and their two children were discovered four days after officers first responded to a 911 call reporting the sound of gunfire but found no reason to go into the family's Mesquite home, police spokesman Bill Hedgpeth said.

"A handgun was found near Vazquez's body in the master bedroom, Hedgpeth said. The bodies of Marcelo Vazquez, 44, and their children, 18-year-old Alejandro and 21-year-old Paulina, were found in separate rooms in the house.

"Angelica Vazquez's death was ruled a suicide, while the other three deaths were homicides, the Dallas County medical examiner's office said in a statement issued Thursday.

"Hedgpeth said police initially went to the home Saturday morning after a female 911 caller on a cellphone said she'd heard gunfire. Officers knocked on the door, looked in the windows and spoke to a neighbor but found no reason to force their way in, Hedgpeth said.

"The same officers returned to the home Wednesday after their days off, found newspapers and mail piling up and decided to go inside, he said.

"The officers were proper to leave Saturday without taking action, Hedgpeth said.

"`Frankly, when there are no signs of forced entry you clear the call,` he said. `I think they used due diligence by going back like they did.`"

"The woman was pronounced dead at the scene, and the man was taken to Memorial Regional Hospital in critical condition, Broward sheriff's spokeswoman Dani Moschella said. Their names haven't been released.

Monday, March 11, 2013

"UTICA, NY — Authorities have ruled the deaths of a man and woman found in their Utica home Friday night as a murder-suicide.

"According to Utica Police, Moeun Porm, 45, had arrived home around 4:20 p.m. on Friday, March 8 following a trip to Cambodia. When she entered the home, authorities say her estranged husband, Somnang Porm, 45, was also there. Around 10 p.m. That night, the couple's children found the two dead inside the South Street home.

"On Monday, Utica Police Sgt. Steve Hauck said that a preliminary report had come back from the Onondaga Medical Examiner's Office and that police were ruling the case a murder/suicide. Sgt. Hauck said something happened between the two that led Somnang Porm to shoot his estranged wife in the chest with a long gun. However, it was unclear what had transpired between the two to result in her death. Sgt. Hauck added that the Medical Examiner's report leads police to believe Somnang Porm then took his own life with the same long gun.

"The long gun was recovered at the scene and police say they are still investigating a possible motive. Authorities stated they are still interviewing family members to determine the history between the couple and said the investigation continues."

"ANNISTON, AL — Authorities have identified two people found dead following a standoff in Saks Sunday.

"Anniston police Sgt. Chris Sparks said the bodies of Darren Wilson, 52, and Dorris Wilson, 50, were found in their Saks home on Asbury Avenue last night after a six-hour standoff with police.

"Officers arrived on a domestic call around noon following a suspected stabbing. Dorris Wilson's body had stab wounds, Sparks said. There has been no cause of death announced for Darren Wilson.

"The couple's bodies have been sent off for autopsies, Sparks said.

"Police had no voice contact with either person once they arrived on the scene, Sparks said. Police made several attempts to negotiate with no answer. Authorities entered the house after firing tear gas into it and a robotic camera device entered, discovering the bodies."

"HOUSTON, TX — Police have identified a man and a woman who were found late Sunday night shot to death in what officials said was an apparent murder-suicide inside a home in east Houston.

"The bodies of 34-year-old Lashandra Washington and 33-year-old Sharman Ford were discovered about 11 p.m. at the home in the 1000 block of Defender near Calloway, according to the Houston Police Department.

"Police said the victims' relatives found the two fatally shot when they went inside the house. The bodies were in a bedroom.

"It appeared Ford shot Washington and then turned the gun on himself, police said. There were no signs of forced entry at the home. Police did not release other details about the case.

Sunday, March 10, 2013

"MARIETTA, GA — Marietta police believe a 70-year-old Cobb County man shot and killed a women and then himself Sunday morning.

"The shootings happened around 10 a.m. on 1510 Gateview Way, in a neighborhood off Scufflegrit Road, according to Officer David Baldwin. Neighbors heard gunshots and called police, Baldwin said.

"Investigators believe Henry Harlan Wooten, of Acworth, went to the home of Kay Cornell Janus, 72, and shot her in the garage, Baldwin said. Wooten then walked about a block down the street before shooting and killing himself in a cul-de-sac, according to police.

"`Although the motive is still under investigation, it’s apparent that Wooten shot Janus in the garage of her home and then left the scene on foot,` Baldwin said in an emailed statement.

"Neighbors on the street may have tried to intervene before the man killed himself, Baldwin said. Wooten and Janus were previously involved in a long-term relationship, according to police."

"BRANSON, MO — Branson Police are investigating two deaths at a Branson hotel in what police say appears to be a murder/suicide.

"Branson city spokesman Garrett Anderson said the deaths likely happened at about 11 p.m. Saturday night at the Queen Anne I motel at 3510 W Missouri 76. Anderson said the city knows the identity of the two but is withholding that information until next of kin can be notified.

"Anderson said he could not provide any more information at this time.

"Anderson said the Branson Police Department is planning to hold a press conference about the incident Monday afternoon, although the exact time or place of the press conference had not been set."

"CHANCEFORD TWP, PA — A Chanceford Township man on Saturday night shot and killed his wife following a domestic dispute and then turned the gun on himself while on the phone with a 911 dispatcher, according to state police.

"Steven Himes, 43, was found dead in the basement of his home on 2415 Delta Road, according to police. They said he died of a gunshot wound to the chest.

"Police said Himes’ wife, Amanda, 39, was found dead in a first-floor bedroom at the home. She died of apparent multiple gunshot wounds, police said.

"Police received the 911 call from Steven Himes at approximately 11:03 p.m. He told a dispatcher that he shot and killed his wife and police said he then went to the basement.

"An autopsy will be performed on Amanda Himes. Police continue to investigate the incident. State police are being assisted by York Area Regional Police and the York County Coroner’s office."

Saturday, March 9, 2013

"CORPUS CHRISTI, TX — The Corpus Christi Police Department says the medical examiner's initial findings indicate the woman found dead inside a home on 437 Military Drive was killed with a gunshot wound to the head before the home was set on fire.

"A man in the home was still alive as the house burned. Police say the woman did not die from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

"According to Corpus Christi Fire Department investigator Peter Salazar officials fairly certain the man set the fire. At this point investigators have run out of people to interview about the case.

"The case is being handled as a murder/suicide.

"Firefighters made the discovery at the home where neighbors say 81-year-old Charles Delong III and 49-year-old Cheryl Harville lived with a third person.

"Officials have not confirmed who died in the fire.

"Fire officials said Thursday afternoon that evidence points to the fire being intentionally set."

"WHITEFISH, MT — A northwestern Montana man shot and killed the host of the Sportsman Channel show `A Rifleman’s Journal` in an apparent jealous rage while the TV personality was visiting the shooter’s wife, police said Friday.

"Wayne Bengston, 41, then beat his wife, took his 2-year-old son to a relative’s house and drove to his home about 25 miles away in West Glacier, where he killed himself, Whitefish Police Chief Bill Dial said.

"Police identified the shooting victim as Gregory G. Rodriguez, 43, of Sugar Land, Texas. Bengston’s wife told police that Rodriguez was in town on business and visiting her at her mother’s house in Whitefish when her husband showed up Thursday at about 10:30 p.m.

"Rodriguez and the woman, who works for a firearms manufacturer in the Flathead Valley, met at a trade show and struck up a casual relationship that police do not believe was romantic, Dial said.

"She and Rodriguez were sitting at the kitchen table, talking over a glass of wine, when Bengston entered the house and shot Rodriguez, Dial said.

"He then beat his wife on the face and head, most likely with the pistol, he said. She was treated at a hospital and released.

"`I think it was a jealous husband, but this is all conjecture,` Dial said.

"After the shooting was reported, Flathead County sheriff’s deputies found Bengston’s truck parked in his driveway. Efforts by a police SWAT team to contact Bengston inside the house were unsuccessful, and officers found his body with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, police said."

Friday, March 8, 2013

"LOS ANGELES, CA — A man opened fire on police officers in Watts early Friday morning before barricading himself in his house, shooting his wife and killing himself, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

"When police officers responded to a call of shots fired just before 3 a.m., they found the victim in the truck. A man standing outside the house began shooting at the officers, who returned fire, said police spokesman officer Bruce Borihanh.

"The man, who has not been identified, retreated inside the home. Around 5 a.m., a SWAT team entered and found the man’s wife critically injured. The man was dead of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, police said.

"Three children, ages 1, 3 and 8, were in the home during the incident and were in police custody until family members could be located, Borihanh said."

"Mesa police received multiple 911 calls from Phu Thanh Restaurant just before 6 p.m. and arriving officers found the pair dead of apparent gunshot wounds, said Detective Steve Berry, a police spokesman. The dead man and woman apparently were in some type of relationship, but it was unclear if they were restaurant owners, employees or customers, he said. Their names were not released.

"Another woman suffered a gunshot wound to her lower body and was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries, Berry said. He said he didn't know if she was a target or was inadvertently caught in the gunfire.

"The shooting occurred in a Vietnamese restaurant near Southern Avenue and Extension Road.

"The restaurant was open at the time, but diners inside were able to make their way out, Berry said. One person suffered minor injuries in the rush to flee, he said."

Thursday, March 7, 2013

"GREENVILLE, KY — The Kentucky State Police is currently investigating the death of a Greenville couple.

"On Thursday, March 7 at around 9:10 a.m., the Kentucky State Police Post 2 Madisonville was contacted by the Muhlenberg County Sheriff's Department in reference to a shooting at a residence located at 4715 State Route 853, Greenville.

"When they arrived, officers say they discovered that Armilda D. Green, 61, and her husband, Everett T. Green, 62, were dead in their home.

"According to police, the preliminary investigation revealed that each victim appeared to have suffered from a single gunshot. At the present time, they say it appeared that Everett Green shot his wife and then turned the gun on himself. The Muhlenberg County Coroner, Tony Armour, pronounced the victims dead at the scene.

"An autopsy is scheduled for the morning of March 8, at the State Medical Examiner's Office in Madisonville."

"The man has been identified as 43 year old Lavance Deshannon Williams, who shot his estranged wife, 33 year old Lashontay Jimese Lewis. According to witnesses, Williams shot Lewis during an argument and then shot himself. Police [said] that five other clients were also inside the salon, including the couple's 11 year old son, when the shooting happened. Thankfully, they were not injured.

"No further details have been released.

"Authorities are continuing their investigation into the shooting and have no records of prior incidents involving the couple."

"OLATHE, KS — A domestic dispute ended with one person shot dead and another critically wounded inside an Olathe home, according to police.

"Police said 52-year-old Donald J. Johnston died in the attempted murder/suicide. Police are still investigating the incident, but said 51-year-old Tammy J. Johnston lived through the incident but is in serious condition. Police believe Donald may have shot Tammy, then himself.

"A 20-year-old female who was reportedly locked in an upstairs bedroom called 911 to say two people were shot around 10:20 p.m. Tuesday. Police said she did not witness the incident.

"Police rescued Tammy from the home in the 15800 block of W. 148th Terrace 10 minutes later. She was taken by ambulance to a local hospital with critical injuries.

"HENDERSON, NV — The Clark County coroner's office has identified the woman killed during an apparent murder-suicide Tuesday night in Henderson as 47-year-old Renee M. Bassett.

"According to the Henderson Police Department, a 54-year-old man killed his ex-wife while their teenage son was in the next room before killing himself.

"The 13-year-old boy called 911 at about 5:30 p.m. March 5. Upon arrival, police officers found the woman shot to death in her home and the boy's father was dead in his car parked in front of the house from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot.

"The boy was not injured. The couple also had an 11-year-old son who lived with the father. He was also unharmed and both are being take care of by relatives.

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

"ROCKAWAY BEACH, OR — Investigators from the Tillamook County Major Crimes Team investigated an assault which occurred in Rockaway Beach during the early morning hours of Friday, March 1, 2013.

"Rockaway Beach Police Officers and Tillamook County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a reported stabbing that had occurred at a residence in Rockaway Beach. Two people were transported to the Tillamook County Hospital with serious traumatic injuries. One of the people transported is believed to be the suspect in the assault, Dawn Carole White, 59, of Rockaway Beach. The other injured person is a family member of White’s.

"Investigators believe that Dawn Carole White began attacking a sleeping family member with a knife before inflicting serious injuries to herself, in an apparent murder/suicide attempt.

"Dawn Carole White was transported to Legacy Emanuel as a trauma system entry and had surgery related to her injuries."

"PANAMA CITY, FL — Bay County sheriff's deputy, conducting a welfare check at a Southport home Tuesday morning, made a grisly discovery.

"Inside the house at 9219 Resota Beach Road were the bodies of a man and woman—both dead from gunshot wounds. Investigators are still trying to figure out exactly what happened but they suspect it's a murder-suicide.

"According to the Bay County Sheriff's Office, the deceased are Mack O. Kilpatrick, 61, and Kelley Anna Dickson, 48. Once married, they divorced in 2010 but lived in the house together.

"`They have been having a little bit of trouble since they split up… but I thought they had gotten back together and everything was alright,` said Phillip Bass, a neighbor who knew the couple for 11 years.

"Major Tommy Ford said a friend of the couple asked the sheriff's office to send a deputy to check the house after Mack failed to show up for work the night before. Ford said the house was not secure so the deputy went inside and found the bodies, along with a handgun.

"Major Ford would not say how long the couple had been dead, how many shots were fired or who did the shooting. "We're still trying to determine that and I don't want to release any information preliminarily until we're able to get a clearer picture of exactly what happened," he said.

"Bass said he talked to Kilpatrick on the phone three days ago. `I saw them down here day before yesterday on the side of the road... looked like they was arguing a little bit,` said Bass.

"Ford said the couple had no law enforcement history of domestic violence but confirmed investigators had learned they had argued in the past. `The evidence was at least consistent with what we would see with a murder/suicide,` said Ford."

Monday, March 4, 2013

"MAIDSVILLE, WV &mbdash; Monongalia County Sheriff's deputies found two people dead at a home Monday morning and are investigating the case as a murder-suicide.

"Police responded to the home on Merle Yost Road, about 14 miles west of Morgantown, at about 10 a.m. Monday. A 911 hang-up call originated from the residence, prompting the response, Sheriff Al Kisner said.

"`It was a 911 hang up, and then there was other information received by the 911 center that was dispatched to the responding deputy,` Kisner said. `When they got there, the scene was what the deputies found.`

"Kisner said the two people were `family members,` but he did not specify how they were related. Police also did not reveal how the two people died. However, Kisner said foul play is suspected.

"`At this point, we're looking at this as a murder/suicide, unless the investigation goes in another direction,` Kisner said. `It doesn't appear that it will.`

"The names of the victims have not been released, as police notify family members. "

"ST. MARIES, ID — An Idaho State Police officer who came across a vehicle flashing its emergency lights on state Highway 3 early Sunday morning found a woman with her throat slit, prompting a hunt for her husband that ended in his suicide.

"Benewah County Sheriff Dave Resser said Mary McGreal, 44, was bleeding profusely from her neck in the front seat of the vehicle but was alive and able to speak to the police officer. She was taken to Benewah Community Hospital and eventually flown to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.

"Resser said she is in serious condition but is expected to survive.

"The patrol officer spotted the McGreals’ vehicle pulled over on Highway 3, about a mile and a half south of St. Maries, just before 2 a.m. Sunday.

"GOSHEN, IN — A 51-year-old Goshen man apparently shot and killed a 48-year-old Goshen woman and then killed himself in the 100 block of North Fifth Street early Monday morning.

"Goshen police said John Eric Haitsma shot and killed ex-girlfriend Millicent Morros and then himself around 7:47 a.m. Police said that the shooting took place after a brief discussion between the two individuals.

"According to Goshen police, a report of a possible shooting came in at approximately 7:47 a.m. Monday. Upon responding to the scene, Goshen police found two motionless people lying on the ground in the parking lot on the east side of North Fifth Street directly across from the First Quality Cleaners & Laundry business.

"Police immediately had the Lincoln Avenue/Fifth Street intersection blocked off with police vehicles, and yellow police tape was used to cordon off nearly the entire block. Numerous investigators, as well as the coroner, could be seen canvasing the street and nearby parking lots for any signs of evidence.

"Further investigation and witness statements at the scene confirmed that the two subjects, later identified as Haitsma and Morros, both of Goshen, were known to one another, having previously been in a relationship. Haitsma resigned from the Goshen Police Department in 1998 to operate his own lawn care business after eight years with the department.

"VALLEJO, CA — Two people found deceased in a Vallejo apartment Sunday are dead as a result of a murder and suicide, Lt. Jim O'Connell said Monday.

"The victims' names were not immediately available and Vallejo police investigators were unwilling to release much information about the incident at this time.

"`There's every indication it was a murder/suicide,` O'Connell said. `It's tragic and sad.`

"Family members called police at 9:23 a.m. Sunday to ask for the officers to check on the woman who lived in an apartment unit at 400 Ebbetts Pass Road, in North Vallejo, since they had not heard from her in several days, police said.

"While officers were responding to the location Sunday morning, police received calls from witnesses who said they heard a gunshot from the apartment.

"Witnesses forced their way into the apartment and found both man and woman dead inside of apparent gun shot wounds.

"The woman and man were roommates and in their early 50s, police added.

"O'Connell said detectives are still looking into what may have triggered the deaths.

"`There's still more that we would like to learn from independent sources regarding the relationship,` he said.

"There is no record of domestic violence or immediate evidence of drugs."

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Abstract

"Murder-suicide is an act in which the perpetrator of a homicide kills him or herself after killing the victim(s). Rates of murder-suicide are fairly consistent across communities and are much lower than rates for homicide or suicide. The most common murder-suicide scenario involves a White male perpetrator in his 40s who kills his estranged spouse and perhaps his children before killing himself. The three most common categories of murder-suicide are cases in which (1) the act is caused by jealously or concern about age or illness; (2) the act is perpetrated by a parent who kills all of the children and then themselves; and (3) the act involves disgruntled employees, cult members, or members of religious or political groups who target a large number of victims before committing suicide. "